Major General Henry W. Slocum Autograph Note – Signed as Congressman

Description

Major General Henry W. Slocum Autograph Note – Signed as Congressman
Offered for your consideration is a short note, written and signed by a prominent Union general, while serving as a Congressman from New York. Headlined from “
Washington DC
” and dated “
Nov 12
th
83
”, the body of this note reads “
Dear Sir,
/
In reply to yours Oct 27
th
I would say that my choice for Speaker is Hon S. D. Cox.
”. He closes with “
Yours Truly
/
H W Slocum
”, as well as “
Chas E Harrington
Esq
”, the name of the recipient. All of this is presented on one side of the paper, the other being left blank. Two additional pencil notations are present, easily covered with a mat if the note was framed. All of this is written in period ink in Slocum’s hand, except for the two pencil additions, which were probably accomplished by a collector (this was common practice years ago, but it is frowned upon now). This piece would look great framed with a period portrait of Slocum in his general’s uniform or in a suit while serving as a Congressman.
Henry Warner Slocum
was born on September 24, 1827 in Delphi (also called Delphi Falls), New York. He attended Cazenovia Seminary, taught school for several years, and in 1848 secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated in 1852, after which he served against the Florida Seminoles and on garrison duty in Charleston Harbor. He resigned in 1856 to practice law in Syracuse, New York, as well as serving as county treasurer, a state legislator, and as an instructor of artillery in the state militia. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Slocum became colonel (May 21, 1861) of the 27
th
New York Volunteer Infantry, a two-year regiment which he commanded at First Bull Run. During that engagement, Slocum was wounded in the thigh; upon his return he was given command of a brigade in William B. Franklin’s division. Slocum was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on August 9, 1861, and to major general on July 25, 1862 (to rank from July 4). He participated in the Peninsula Campaign, was present at Second Bull Run, and performed valuable service during the Maryland Campaign. Following the battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), Slocum was appointed to lead the XII Corps. This unit was not engaged at the battle of Fredericksburg, though they saw heavy action at the subsequent battle of Chancellorsville. His corps held the extreme right of the Union line at the crucial battle of Gettysburg, after which they were transferred to the Western theater. Not wishing to serve under General Hooker, Slocum submitted his resignation to President Lincoln, but it was refused. Slocum was given one division of the corps to operate independently, while the other served under Hooker. Just before the onset of the Atlanta Campaign, Slocum was assigned to the District of Vicksburg, serving there until August, 1864. While he was stationed at Vicksburg, the XI and XII Corps were consolidated into the XX Corps, with Hooker in command. Upon the death of General James B. McPherson, General Oliver O. Howard was given command over Hooker, who asked to be relieved. Slocum was recalled from Vicksburg to command the XX Corps, which was the first Federal command to enter Atlanta. During the “March to the Sea” and the subsequent Carolina Campaign, Slocum commanded the left wing of Sherman’s army, while Howard commanded the right. Slocum resigned his commission on September 28, 1865 and returned to Syracuse, New York. Following an unsuccessful campaign for New York secretary of state, he moved the following spring to Brooklyn where he practiced law. He served in the United States House of Representatives from March 4, 1869 through March 3, 1873, and again from March 3, 1883 through March 3, 1885. Henry W. Slocum died on April 14, 1894 in Brooklyn, New York, and was buried in that city’s Green-Wood Cemetery.
The presently offered item exhibits signs of expected period use, though no significant damage is noted. Light toning can be seen across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white to eggshell hue. This toning is slightly darker at the edges, especially at the top. Several scattered stains can be seen upon close examination. Two horizontal folds are present, both adversely affecting the integrity of the paper (no separations are noted at this time, though the paper has been weakened). There are also a few bends in the paper, most notably at the lower left and along the top edge. The ink appears to have faded since it was originally applied, though all of the text is fully visible (it is somewhat difficult to read due the Slocum’s penmanship). As noted earlier, pencil notations can be seen at the top and bottom, easily covered if this piece was framed. Measuring approximately 4⅞ x 7⅞ inches, this piece would make a wonderful addition to any Civil War or political autograph collection. Any additional questions regarding condition should be addressed before purchasing.
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Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA